Why This Colorado Town Deserves More Attention

The Rocky Mountains of Colorado are full of amazing alpine towns, from world-renowned destinations like Aspen and Vail to perhaps lesser-known ones, like Telluride, which we will be focusing on today. This small community of just over 2,500 residents sits about 330 miles southwest of Denver, deep within a near encirclement of towering peaks and canyons.

Its dramatic terrain makes it a perfect spot for skiing, snowboarding, other winter sports, hiking, and sightseeing in the summer. But besides its outdoor draws, it also has much history and culture for you to explore, with its storied past, reaching back to the state's founding, and its world-renowned festivals.

An Incredible Landscape in the Heart of the Rockies

Telluride is located in southwestern Colorado, deep within a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains. Surrounded on three sides by steep, forested peaks that rise over 13,000 feet, the town itself sits at a lofty elevation of 8,750 feet. This diverse topography preserves the town’s compact layout while ensuring gorgeous natural sights all around.

The San Miguel River runs through the valley, adding to the area's pristine character and making it a prime spot for fly fishing. More specifically, Telluride is geologically defined by glacial activity and ancient volcanic processes, which shaped its rugged terrain, like much of the Rocky Mountain range across the continent. Its dramatic natural history has led to it being the home of several nearby landmarks of interest, namely Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado.

How Did Telluride Transform from a Mining Camp to a World-Class Ski Town?

Like many towns in Colorado, Telluride’s history is heavily rooted in mining. Originally home to the native Ute people, the area saw its first modern transformation in the 1870s with the discovery of gold in the surrounding San Juan Mountains. The town was officially established in 1878 and was originally called "Columbia." It soon became a busy hub for both silver and gold extraction, and by 1887, the town switched over to its current name, growing from more of a camp to a bustling community that drew in workers from across the country.

After the mining industry declined in the mid-20th century, Telluride faced an economic downturn and had to find a new way to attract commerce. This is where its second transformation came in 1972, with the development of the Telluride Ski Resort, a destination that reshaped the local economy around tourism.

Despite these shifts, remnants of Telluride’s rustic, blue-collar past remain visible in its preserved downtown and surrounding high country, all intertwined with its now world-renowned attractions, from ski areas to protected parklands and more.

Notable Landmarks, Destinations, and Activities in Telluride

It's not hard to find fun and interesting things to see and do in this part of Colorado, but if you want some local recommendations, here are some favorite places and activities in and around town that won't steer you wrong. Whether you want to spend some time in the great outdoors or explore Telluride's history for yourself, here's a list to help you fill out your itinerary.

Stroll Around the Historic District

The Telluride Historic District is a central feature of the town, even being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its well-preserved buildings, dating back well over a hundred years, give you a walkable window into Colorado’s frontier past. The district includes landmarks such as the New Sheridan Hotel (originally built in 1891 and rebuilt in 1895 after a fire) and the Historic Sheridan Opera House (constructed in 1913), both still in use.

Be sure to also check out the Telluride Historical Museum, or see the many modern-day local shops, galleries, and restaurants that are now housed within the area. If you're out to grab a bite, chow down at a variety of tasty eateries, like the Floradora Saloon or The Butcher & The Baker, and then end the day with a cold one just steps away at Smuggler Union Restaurant & Brewery by the riverfront.

Attend a Renowned Film Festival

The Telluride Film Festival, established in 1974, is a cornerstone of the town's cultural impact. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the festival transforms Telluride into a global gathering place for filmmakers, critics, and movie lovers alike. The festival has premiered several influential films over the years, such as Moonlight, Lady Bird, and Mulholland Drive, just to name a few.

A distinctive feature of the festival is its tradition of unveiling the program only one day before it begins, adding a sense of anticipation and mystery to the whole affair. The event also takes time to honor significant contributors to cinema with its Silver Medallion awards. If you are a film buff and a hiker, a trip to Telluride should definitely be on the to-do list.

Go for a Hike

The hiking scene around Telluride gives access to some of Colorado’s most striking mountainous scenery. Featuring trails that range from casual walks to demanding high-altitude treks, it is an excellent spot for just about anyone looking to embark on an on-foot adventure.

The Jud Wiebe Trail, a local favorite, begins in town and forms a 3.4-mile loop through aspen forests and open meadows with panoramic views of Telluride below. For a longer climb, the Bear Creek Trail leads to Bear Creek Falls and continues on to connect with the Wasatch Trail for those seeking backcountry routes. Moreover, Bridal Veil Falls is accessible by a pathway that ascends the end of the box canyon at the far eastern side of town.

Hikers can also opt to explore a number of unmarked alpine basins, wildflower-filled fields, and mining-era ruins, should they decide to go off trail and forge their own way through the mountains. Trails near Telluride are typically accessible from late spring through early fall, depending on snowmelt and weather conditions at higher elevations. And as much as the summer brings favorable weather, landscape photographers should note that the fall is quite the time to come if you want to see the area's aspen stands as their leaves begin to turn brilliantly golden in color.

Enjoy the Snow

This small town is widely regarded as one of the top ski destinations in North America. The Telluride Ski Resort spans over 2,000 acres with a vertical drop of more than 4,420 feet, offering terrain for all skill levels, from beginner slopes in the Mountain Village to advanced runs like Palmyra Peak. The resort’s lift system is modern and efficient, and the free gondola connecting Telluride to Mountain Village is a unique feature that can be enjoyed by all.

Beyond downhill skiing, the region supports a range of other winter activities. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails wind through the surrounding forests and meadows while heli-skiing appeals to expert skiers seeking untouched powder. Ice climbing is also popular at nearby frozen waterfalls that cascade off the canyons around town. For those preferring a slower pace, winter hiking and fat biking are accessible on groomed multi-use trails at the valley floor and certain spots around the canyon rim.

Experience this Gem of the San Juan Mountains Today

Whether using it as a simple stop along a broader road trip or making it your base of operations for a few days while exploring the San Juans, Telluride is a real treasure buried deep in central Colorado. From its surprisingly robust cultural offerings to its unbeatable natural scenery in all directions and its wide range of world-class amenities, you may never want to leave! At the very least, consider this all-season destination this year for your next getaway.